New methods to identify brain areas involved in epilepsy

Novel diagnostic stimulation to quantify cortical excitability and guide epilepsy therapy

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10889026

This study is looking for ways to better diagnose and treat focal epilepsy by using special electrical stimulation techniques to pinpoint the exact areas in the brain that trigger seizures, helping to create more effective treatments just for you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-10889026 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of focal epilepsy by developing innovative stimulation techniques to measure brain excitability. By using multiple pulses of electrical stimulation and advanced waveforms, the study aims to create precise biomarkers that can identify the specific brain regions responsible for initiating seizures. Patients will undergo assessments that involve these stimulation techniques, which will help map the brain's network connections related to epilepsy. The goal is to enhance the understanding of individual seizure networks and improve targeted therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with focal epilepsy who experience seizures that are difficult to control with standard treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with generalized epilepsy or those who do not have focal seizure activity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate identification of seizure onset zones, ultimately improving treatment options for patients with epilepsy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using stimulation techniques to map brain activity, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in epilepsy treatment.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.